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Why do Ram trucks keep getting brake system recalls?
⚠ 1 of these recalls carries a do-not-drive advisory.
Three failure families repeat here. First, the brake pedal itself: the 2019 Ram 1500 adjustable pedal can separate from its assembly, and 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks were built without the master cylinder push rod retaining clip. Second, brake hoses and lines on 4500/5500 cab chassis — missing anti-corrosion plating on 2018 trucks, an undersized hose diameter on 2019-2020 trucks, and upfitter-routed caliper lines (Braun Northwest, Excellance) rubbing on suspension parts on those same 2019-2020 chassis. Third, ABS electronics: a failing hydraulic control unit on 2017-2018 2500/3500/4500/5500, a damaged ABS module on 2020-2021 ProMaster City, and ABS software that disables or fails to flag electronic stability control on 2019-2024 Ram 1500 and 2019-2022 2500/3500. The 2019 Ram 1500 and 2019-2020 cab chassis appear most often.
Warning signs to watch for
- A brake pedal that travels too far, feels loose, or goes soft underfoot
- ABS, stability control or traction control warning lights, or stability control that never steps in during a skid
- A burning smell or the truck feeling like it is dragging, on 2019 2500/3500 trucks with swollen caliper seals
- Reduced braking or loss of automatic braking with no warning at all — several of these notices state the failure comes without warning
Is it safe to keep driving?
One recall is a stop-driving order: 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks missing the push rod clip, where owners are told not to drive until they receive inspection and repair instructions. No recall here requires parking outside. The rest carry no stop-driving instruction, but the pedal-separation, ProMaster City ABS module and 4500/5500 hose-rupture recalls can take braking away without warning, so drive them only until you can get in. Stop and call a dealer if the pedal feels soft. The ESC software and warning-light recalls are safe to keep driving.
What the free repair involves
Almost all of this is hands-on dealer work, free of charge: repairing the adjustable pedal assembly, installing the missing push rod clip, replacing the ABS module, the rear brake hoses, the front calipers with a brake bleed, or the hydraulic control unit, and installing a repair kit that reroutes upfitter caliper lines. Two recalls are ABS control module software updates, also done at the dealer — none are over-the-air.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 4 |
| high | 6 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-27 | Ram heavy-duty trucks: anti-lock brakes and stability control can fail | high |
| 2024-09-05 | Ram 1500 stability control may shut off | high |
| 2022-10-11 | Ram 4500 and 5500 rear brake hoses can burst | critical |
| 2022-03-10 | Ram and Durango stability control warning light may not work | medium |
| 2021-03-09 | Ram ProMaster City can lose braking without any warning | critical |
| 2021-02-01 | Ram 1500 Classic missing brake pedal retaining clip · do not drive | critical |
| 2021-01-26 | Ram 4500 and 5500 brake line may wear through | high |
| 2021-01-13 | RAM 4500 and 5500 rear brake hose can wear through | high |
| 2019-08-29 | Ram 2500 and 3500 brake calipers may overheat | high |
| 2019-02-05 | Ram 1500 brake pedal can separate from its assembly | critical |
| 2018-05-01 | Ram 4500 and 5500 brake hoses may corrode and leak | high |
Common questions
My 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic is in the push rod clip recall — can I drive it?
No. That notice tells owners not to drive until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, because the pedal can separate from the brake system. Call FCA US at 1-800-853-1403 and ask about getting it inspected without driving it.
Will I get any warning before the brakes fail?
Often no. The ProMaster City ABS module recall says braking performance can be lost with no warning, and a ruptured 4500/5500 rear hose can do the same. Watch for a soft pedal, ABS or stability control lights, and any burning smell.
Why are the 4500 and 5500 cab chassis in so many of these?
Five of the eleven include them. Two are Chrysler hose defects — ferrules without anti-corrosion plating in 2018, an undersized hose bore in 2019-2020 — two come from upfitters Braun Northwest and Excellance whose suspension installs let the rear caliper line rub, and one is the hydraulic control unit.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.